European Commission president pitches for AI regulation framework

Statement by the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at Session III of the G20, 'One Future':

One thing seems clear - the future will be digital. Today I want to focus on AI & digital infrastructure. As it has been described, AI has risks but also offers tremendous opportunities. The crucial question is how to harness a rapidly changing technology. It is telling that even the makers and inventors of AI are calling on political leaders to regulate.

What the world does now will shape our future. I believe that Europe – and its partners - should develop a new global framework for AI risks. It should protect us against systemic societal risks and foster investments in safe and responsible AI systems, at the same time. At global level we eventually need to reach the broader community of the United Nations.

We would need a similar body to the IPCC for climate, and here we need additional outreach to the scientists, entrepreneurs and innovators. They need to provide knowledge on the risks posed by AI – as well as the potential benefits for humanity.

Second, on Digital Public Infrastructures. They can be a real booster to emerging economies. India has achieved remarkable success in rolling out its Digital Public Infrastructures. We heard the Prime Minister, and we very much support his initiative.